Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals has urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their heart health through regular exercise, routine medical checks, and healthier eating habits. The hospital made the call during a 10,000-step health walk in Lagos to commemorate the 2026 World Heart Day and mark its 40th anniversary in Lagos. The event aimed to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The Managing Director of Iwosan Lagoon Hospital, Victoria Island, Dr. Ayobami Kuyoro, emphasized the importance of regular walking for cardiovascular health. She said walking helps with blood pressure, blood sugar control, and other chronic diseases. Kuyoro urged Nigerians to make physical activity a daily habit rather than limiting exercise to special occasions.
Kuyoro also advised Nigerians to "know their numbers" by regularly checking their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. She stressed that preventive healthcare should begin before symptoms emerge. According to her, people who cannot exercise for 30 minutes at a stretch can divide the activity into shorter sessions throughout the day.
The hospital's Managing Director cautioned against the belief that hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions affect only older people. She said hypertension can occur among people in their 20s and 30s and even among children, stressing the importance of routine screening regardless of age. Kuyoro said the hospital had been working with corporate organizations, schools, and communities to promote cardiovascular screening and risk assessments.
The Chief Executive Officer of Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, Dr. Olubisi Oyeniran, said the hospital's 40-year journey had been built around patient care, clinical quality, and sustained engagement with the communities it serves. He said the hospital had treated generations of families since its establishment and would continue to invest in facilities, technology, and specialist manpower.
Oyeniran identified physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption as lifestyle-related risk factors that individuals could modify. He encouraged Nigerians to incorporate movement into their daily routines, rather than waiting for a formal exercise program. According to him, lifestyle decisions made when people are young could influence their cardiovascular health later.
The hospital's World Heart Day walk was designed to reinforce the message that simple and consistent lifestyle choices can contribute to better heart health. The event aimed to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Nigerians are urged to begin making healthier choices early in life to reduce the risk of heart-related conditions.
Key points
- Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals urges Nigerians to take responsibility for heart health through regular exercise, medical checks
- Hospital emphasizes importance of routine screening for cardiovascular conditions regardless of age
- Lifestyle decisions made when people are young can influence their cardiovascular health later
